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Know Your English (Jan 2002)-25

Know your English

What is the meaning and origin of the expression "off the cuff"?

When you make an "off the cuff" remark what you are doing is saying something without really having thought about it. You make it spontaneously.

*Off the cuff, I would say that there are about 300 applicants.

*Satish is in the habit of making off the cuff remarks, which hurt a lot of people.

*Think before you answer. I don't want an off the cuff reply.

The "cuff" here refers to the cuff of one's shirt. Speakers sometimes noted down some of the last minute points/ideas, which they wished to include in their speech, on the cuffs of their shirts. While they were speaking they would quickly look at the cuff and carry on.

Hence the expression "off the cuff". Our students too give "off the cuff" answers to questions. Some of them write the answers down on the cuff of their shirts before entering the examination hall!

Source:

The Hindu daily, Tuesday, Jan 29, 2002
Posted by Sridevi. V, M.A

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